Chapter 22

As we made our way from the Knights' Hall to the Adventurers' Guild, walking were I, Sarena, and for some reason, Lucy.

Is Lucy just free? You are the head of the Mages' Corps, aren't you?

"I am deeply grateful for your cooperation, sir."

"Heh, heh... Well, I'm not sure how much I can contribute with my level."

Sarena whispered with a clear expression of joy.

She can be described as a spirited beauty, and in some ways, she appears masculine, but she can also show this kind of expression.

I once compared Kurni to a dog, but Sarena is more like a well-trained hunting dog. Although, I don't think she's as easy-going as that.

"But aren't you being a bit too modest?"

"Not at all. I believe I have a correct understanding of my own abilities."

Lucy, who was walking next to me, offered a slight criticism.

Even if I'm called modest, it's not like I can help it.

My sword skills are decent, but I don't have any outstanding physical abilities. I'm just a slightly stronger middle-aged man.

I managed to beat Hembritz, the deputy leader of the Reberio Knights, because we were compatible, but with Lucy, it was practically a draw, with me losing slightly.

I can't say I'm strong, even if my mouth were to tear.

"Well, that's also part of your strength and a good quality, sir."

"...Then, let's just leave it at that."

"Heh, heh, Rysandra seems to have taken quite a liking to Beryl."

Sarena is still blindly supportive of me.

It's unsettling to see a Black Rank adventurer, who travels the world, praising such an ordinary middle-aged man. Socially and in terms of ability, Sarena is definitely superior.

Ugh, no, no.

I just want to live a peaceful life.

Moreover, with Sarena and Lucy around, the gazes from others are painful.

I might need to get used to it, but the sense of being out of place is overwhelming.

Fortunately, the Adventurers' Guild is just a short distance from the Knights' Hall.

We arrived quickly while chatting.

Sarena, who knew the place well, strode forward, and Lucy and I followed her.

Seriously, what did Lucy come here for? Is the Mages' Corps that free?

"It's me. Is the Guild Master here?"

"Yes, please wait a moment."

She walked straight to the reception counter and said a brief word.

The receptionist, who was used to it, immediately went inside after hearing Sarena's words.

"Heh, heh, I kept you waiting."

After a while, an elderly man with prominent white hair and a tall man with glasses, who seemed to be accompanying him, came out.

"Master, I've brought the recommended Beryl Gardnante."

"Um, Beryl Gardnante. Nice to meet you."

"I'm here too."

I thought it was best to greet them.

Lucy was a bit in the background.

"Welcome. I am Nidas, the head of the Reberis Kingdom branch of the Adventurers' Guild. The man next to me is my assistant, Migen."

"...I am Migen. Nice to meet you."

I bowed slightly in response to their greetings.

Nidas, in terms of age, is probably around the same as my father. His hair and beard are completely white, and deep wrinkles on his face reveal his age.

His words and expressions are gentle, but his physique and gait are solid, suggesting he has been well-trained, or was in the past.

As the head of the Adventurers' Guild, he might have been an adventurer in the past.

On the other hand, the tall man called Migen, after a very brief greeting, gave me a clearly suspicious look.

He is probably a bit younger than me. His neatly styled blue all-back hairstyle and sharp eyes, even through his glasses, are noticeable.

Hmm, this gaze. It reminds me of Hembritz when we first met.

Well, it's understandable to be suspicious, even with Sarena's recommendation. Suddenly, a middle-aged man appears out of nowhere, and it's natural to have doubts.

Moreover, this is about training new adventurers.

It's important to consider whether he is worthy of entrusting the valuable lives of adventurers. Whether or not he meets the criteria, Migen's gaze towards me seemed justified from my perspective.

"Given the recommendation from 'Dragon Twin Swords' Rysandra and the head of the Mages' Corps, I have no reason to interfere. I trust you."

"Y-Yes..."

I wish he would interfere.

I wish he would say, "Wait a moment." I'm just full of anxiety.

"Please wait a moment."

Just as we were exchanging greetings with a sense of unease, Migen called out in a cold tone.

"Migen, is there something wrong?"

In response to Nidas' question, Migen sighed and continued.

"Of course, receiving recommendations from both of you is wonderful. However, we, the Adventurers' Guild, do not know Mr. Gardnante's abilities. Relying on uncertain information to entrust the valuable lives of adventurers leaves some doubts."

Migen stated the facts calmly.

Good job, Migen. Keep it up.

"Are you saying you can't trust the teacher?"

"Hmm? Migen, are you saying you don't trust my words?"

Sarena's atmosphere changed. She looked like she was about to explode.

Lucy also began to emit an ominous aura.

Please stop. I don't want this.

"That's not it. I would like to clearly understand whether Mr. Gardnante has the qualifications."

Despite the pressure from the top two, Migen's stance did not waver.

His sharp gaze pierced through me.

I won't back down just from that, but his gaze seemed more concerned about the adventurers than hostile.

"Hmm. Migen, what would you do?"

Nidas, in his natural, relaxed tone, asked Migen.

Nidas and Migen may seem like opposites at first glance, but they probably work well together in running the Adventurers' Guild.

They likely exchange opinions and find common ground.

"I hear that Mr. Gardnante is the teacher of 'Dragon Twin Swords' Rysandra. If the two of you could spar, his abilities would become clear."

"Wha—"

I made a strange sound.

Are you serious?

A sparring match with a Black Rank adventurer? I don't think I can win. However, it might be a good way to show my abilities, but the high expectations would be a bit embarrassing to crush.

"Oh, that's a good idea. I'd like to see it too."

Lucy, don't get involved, you jerk!

"I have no problem with that. I would be honored to spar with the teacher. I will give it my all."

Stop it. Don't go all out. I'll die.

"I see. Mr. Gardnante, is that acceptable?"

"...Yes, I understand."

In response to Nidas' confirmation, I could only answer weakly.

I can't refuse, can I? Sarena is also eager to do it.

Damn it. How did it come to this?

Monthly High Fantasy 4th place

Monthly Overall 7th place

Thank you _(`ω、」∠)_